iPad 12 (base model) – hardware details from leaks

The internal markings in current software builds indicate a change in the orientation of the upcoming iPad 12. The data suggests that Apple is not using older SoCs for the entry-level model as it has done in the past. Instead of a two-stage or three-stage generation shift, the available code points to a significantly more modern hardware basis. Specific designations suggest an SoC that would be functionally comparable to current iPhone chips. There is no direct confirmation for the A19, the underlying information does not clearly allow this conclusion to be drawn, so this cannot be verified. It seems safer to assume that Apple will have to switch to a more powerful platform due to increased requirements from Apple Intelligence. This step would be a break with the previous structure, in which the entry-level iPad was systematically equipped with older components.

The requirements for the local execution of Apple Intelligence functions primarily affect the Neural Engine. The switch to eight gigabytes of RAM is supported by the leaks, as this amount of memory is required for several current AI functions. The previous limit of six gigabytes of the iPad 11 would not be sufficient for this. According to currently available data, the expected market launch of the twelfth generation is in spring 2026, which is in line with the usual update cycles and is supported by publications from the supply chain.

Another key point relates to network technology. The N1 chip emerging from the analyzed data shows that Apple will bundle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in a self-developed component in the future. This move away from previous suppliers such as Broadcom points to greater vertical integration. Support for Wi-Fi 7 is considered likely, but the omission of the 320 MHz band can also be seen in the code. This restriction reduces theoretical maximum rates, but is unlikely to have much impact on practical use, as lower latency and improved energy efficiency are the main focus.

At the same time, there are indications of a new iPad Air in the available data. The designations J707 and J708 are clearly assigned to the next Air generation. They are expected to be equipped with the M4 chip. Although the general increase in performance is lower than the potential leap from the previous iPad base model to a significantly more modern SoC generation, the iPad Air is still positioned above the entry-level segment. No major structural changes to the housing or display can be deduced from the information available. Concrete design changes are not anchored in the code, so a continuation of the existing form factor can be considered likely.

The current data therefore shows a clear trend. Apple appears to be adapting the basic devices more closely to modern AI requirements while keeping the iPad Air within its existing positioning. However, the information available cannot be fully verified as Apple has not published any official technical specifications. However, the focus on more powerful SoCs and its own network components is consistently proven by several independent code findings.

Conclusion

The leaks point to a significant technical upgrade of the iPad 12, which would be atypical for the entry-level segment in this form. The expected increase in RAM and the use of a more powerful SoC are related to the requirements of Apple Intelligence. With the iPad Air, a planned further development with the M4 chip is emerging, without significant structural changes to the design. However, the available technical information is not fully verifiable and is based solely on code analyses from test versions of iPadOS.